1964 Chevrolet Impala - Caribbean's Finest

From the valley of the sun.

Determination, combined with a love for all things slow and low, comprise the equation that equals a true Lowrider. Hugo Rodriguez of Phoenix, AZ is definitely the sum of these parts, as this Infiniti Mechanic has been Lowriding for several years. That sums up the love affair with autos, as for the determination; let's just say that this beautiful '64 you see before you is ten years in the making. Managing his responsibilities as a full-time mechanic for Infiniti, taking care of his children, and supporting his wife, Hugo has had to chip away at "Caribbean's Finest" for over a decade. The ten-year project delved even further, as Hugo has painstakingly created a car that represents his club, "The Intruders," and the state of Arizona properly. We first spotted Hugo's '64 at our Lowrider Tour Stop in Phoenix. After scoping out the competition, we knew we had to feature this excellent build.

Hugo originally picked up the car from George Martinez of Ultimate Restyling, and once he bought it, he quickly added a set of wire wheels. That move was all that it took for Hugo to be hooked on the car's classic look and his fate was sealed; he knew he had to go all out on this Impala.

The car was painted in a PPG yellow two-stage paintjob, which was prepared and sprayed by George Martinez of Ultimate Restyling. The paint was then accented with a patterned top and pinstripping done by Chavo. With a few graphics laid out on the roof of the car, Hugo was ready to continue on with his build. As a mechanic by trade, he went through the car after the purchase to make sure the car was running properly. To allow the stock 350 motor engine to breathe, a high rise air gap intake was used. The candy-painted engine was dressed with chrome and Billet accessories, while the Edelbrock Carburetor was dressed with a Billet air cleaner.

Hugo also took care of dressing the trunk compartment. He wanted a setup that would set him apart from the "average Joe," and he did that by visiting Ray & Bones of World Wide Customs, who installed two Hi-Low pumps. The system featured custom tubing, aluminum blocks, chrome fittings, and Delta dumps for the pumps along with a tubular hydraulic rack. The chrome setup was powered by four 31-series batteries. With chrome on Hugo's agenda, he added it throughout the car from the undercarriage to the engine compartment, as he wanted to make sure to cover all of the bases during the build.

The interior features a sound system that Hugo installed himself. Hugo incorporated one monitor into the dash, while a second one was mounted on the Impala logo shaped center console. The interior was designed and built by Felipe's Customs of Phoenix. They sewed in the complete interior in a variety of tweed colors and painted inserts, which complement the car's overall styling to a "T." Other tricks added to the interior included four swivel seats and a '59 Impala dash.

The build was efficiently achieved by Hugo, considering it was built on a modest salary in between responsibilities. He's quick to point out that it could not have been finished without the support of his family; from his parents to his wife, everyone stood behind him and was prepared to get dirty on the day of the photo shoot. We will see what is next for Hugo, as he is currently ready to tackle a new project.

1964 Chevy Impala

Owner: Hugo Rodriguez

Vehicle: 1964 Chevy Impala

City/State: Phoenix, AZ

Paint: A PPG yellow two-stage paintjob was prepared and sprayed. The paint was accented with a patterned top and pinstripping.

Engine: To allow the stock 350 motor engine to breathe properly, a high-rise air gap intake was used. The candy-painted engine was dressed with chrome and Billet accessories, while the Edelbrock Carburetor was dressed with a Billet air cleaner.

Hydraulics: Comprised of two Hi-Low pumps, which featured aluminum blocks, chrome fittings, and Delta dumps for the pumps. The pumps were powered by four 31-series batteries.